The Supreme Court of India has reverted to its traditional setup by removing the glass panels installed in its corridors and restoring its original emblem on the official website. This step was taken under the leadership of the current Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice BR Gavai, who announced the decision shortly after taking office.
The glass panels were initially installed during the tenure of former CJI DY Chandrachud to support centralised air conditioning within the Court premises. However, this move received criticism from the legal community.
“The space in the corridors has reduced drastically, making it difficult for members of the Bar, registered clerks, interns and litigants to move around, especially during the peak hours. This has led to delays in Court proceedings and increased frustration among all the stakeholders in the justice delivery process,”
— Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA)
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The SCAORA also highlighted the lack of consultation with the Bar before installing the panels and expressed concern over reduced access to fresh air and sunlight.
Before
After the retirement of CJI DY Chandrachud, the Association requested the succeeding CJI Sanjiv Khanna to remove the panels. However, no immediate action was taken. It was only under CJI BR Gavai that changes were initiated. During the farewell function of Justice AS Oka on May 23, CJI Gavai assured that when advocates return after the summer vacations, they will see the Supreme Court in its “original avatar.”
Now
Alongside the dismantling of glass panels, the air conditioning system connected to it was also removed.
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“You will find the Supreme Court back in its original form after the holidays,”— CJI BR Gavai
In addition to physical changes, the Supreme Court has also restored its original logo on the official website. The blue-themed insignia introduced during the Court’s 75th anniversary under former CJI Chandrachud has been replaced. That emblem had featured the Supreme Court building, Ashoka Chakra, and Constitution of India, along with the Court’s motto “Yato Dharmastato Jayah.”
The commemorative logo and a new Supreme Court flag were unveiled by President Droupadi Murmu in September 2024. These were designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi.
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However, this change was met with opposition from the legal fraternity. In October 2024, the Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association passed a resolution objecting to the “unilateral” decision to modify the emblem.
“We are equal stakeholders in the administration of justice but these changes when proposed, were never brought to our attention. We are totally clueless on the rationale behind these changes,”— Resolution by Supreme Court Bar Association Executive Committee
It is important to note that the Court’s causelists still continue to use the newer logo.
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